Austria's Upcoming Election: A Close Race Featuring the Far-Right Freedom Party

Austria's far-right Freedom Party, led by Herbert Kickl, may win a national election for the first time. The party has gained voter support amidst concerns over immigration, inflation, and Ukraine. However, polls indicate a close race, with the conservatives and center-left Social Democrats also vying for leadership.

Austria's far-right Freedom Party, led by Herbert Kickl, stands a chance to win a national election for the first time as the country heads to the polls on Sunday. Fueled by public fears about immigration, inflation, and Ukraine, the party's rise mirrors recent gains for hard-right factions across Europe.

Kickl, a former interior minister who has helmed the Freedom Party since 2021, aims to become Austria's next chancellor. Using the term "Volkskanzler," he evokes a controversial comparison to Adolf Hitler, a notion he vehemently denies. Achieving victory, however, would necessitate a coalition partner to secure a parliamentary majority.

Recent polls suggest a tight race, with the Freedom Party garnering 27% support, closely trailed by the conservative Austrian People's Party at 25% and the center-left Social Democrats at 21%. Despite these figures, Kickl has orchestrated a dramatic comeback since the party's dismal 16.2% showing in the 2019 elections. Meanwhile, other parties face diminishing voter confidence amid ongoing crises like inflation and the COVID-19 pandemic, intensifying the electoral battle.

(With inputs from agencies.)